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Girlfriends in God - Aug. 15, 2008

Today’s TruthMatthew 7:7-8 and Luke 11:9 (NIV) instruct us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Friend to FriendIt was January 1995 and the day of my complicated ankle surgery was fast approaching. My mind filled with worry and questions like, “What if they can’t repair the problems so that I can walk again? What if I lose my job because of being off so long?” As the fear and doubt crowded my heart and mind, it left little room for God and His promises. I finally realized that it was the devil trying to take away my peace, because worry is not from God. I prayed, asking the Lord to take away every fear, every hindrance to the harmonious relationship with Him that I knew in my heart was possible. He granted me peace and assurance that He would be with me throughout the surgery and recovery, no matter what the outcome.

I am able to walk again, although not quite as well as “new”, but that doesn’t matter. The Lord has used my limitations to give me greater understanding and compassion for others with even more severe ambulation difficulties such as the woman at physical therapy with only one leg, the wheelchair-bound people riding the tram at the zoo, and the woman shopping at the plaza wearing a brace and limping who shared with me that she had just received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Witnessing and encouraging them to pray, “asking, seeking, knocking” blessed both them and me.

Matthew and Luke both tell us that if we ask, we will receive, if we seek, we will find, and if we knock, the door will be opened. The key is being attuned to God, knowing in our heart that He loves us and choosing to take Him at His word. We can ask, seek, knock, and He will respond.

Let’s PrayDear Father, please help us to remember to turn to You first, instead of last, when we have a problem. Thank You for always being there for us. In Jesus’ name, amen

Now It’s Your Turn

What is troubling you right now?

Have you taken it to the Father?

If not, consider doing it right now. He is waiting to hear your voice.

More from the GirlfriendsIn 1995, I attended a ladies retreat where the speaker taught about some non-traditional ways to pray. One method, which I have found to be particularly useful, is “Picture Prayer”. If you are not artistic (as I am not), stick figures/drawings/photographs combined with words works just fine. Draw a picture of your problem and determine how you visualize it resolving. As you look at your picture, and talk to the Father, this becomes your prayer. Give it a try!

Seeking God?Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.